American box office success for Animex winner

Shane Acker’s animated film 9 is a box office success in his native America, where the film grossed over $15 million in the first five days of being screened in cinemas.

The former student of UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), was honoured with an Animex Award back in 2005 for a shorter 10-minute version of what went on to become the feature version of 9.

Animex awardShane was presented with his Animex Award by Teesside University Emeritus Professor in Computer Science and current chairman of the Computer Society’s Educational Activities Board.

Professor Clements said: 'I was lucky enough to meet Shane when I presented him with his Animex Award. It's a great feeling when students are the best of the best, not just on a local scale but on a global scale.'

Shane’s film features a group of nine ragdolls who are brought to life to face an army of machines after the human race has died off. Tim Burton, known for film successes such as Edward Scissorhands and Sleepy Hollow, is executive producer.

Justin Greetham, Senior Lecturer in Visualisation at Teesside University, said: 'Shane submitted a one-minute film as an entry to the 2004 Animex Awards, which was selected but didn’t win. He entered again the following year with 9 which won the character animation category.

'Our competition recognises and rewards student material at an early stage and Shane is one of many who have gone on to establish themselves in their respective fields in animation, visual effects and gaming.'

Now in their seventh year the Animex Awards recognise and reward student excellence in the fields of games and animation. The deadline for this year’s awards is fast approaching.

If you are looking for a platform to help launch your career in animation find out more at www.animex.net/awards. The deadline for entries is Sunday 1 November.